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I haven’t written about NBC’s Thursday night line-up this year, but only out of laziness. I think it goes without saying that 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, and, of course, The Office have been a consistent string of shows for the past few months, even the past year. Last night’s episodes of 30 Rock and The Office stood out to me in that they both tried to do the same thing – use a behind-the-scenes, real life event as a plot device – but only one show succeeded.

30 Rock‘s big milestone was their 100th episode, a day I’m sure many executives at NBC never saw coming. They celebrated with a one-hour special written by Tina Fey. Rather than choose between airing a clip show or writing new material, Fey did both, and the result was a disappointment. Ryan McGee at The A.V. Club admits he “was fairly burned out on meta-nostalgia by the end of 30 Rock’s hour-long episode,” and I have to agree. Flashbacks are one thing, but you can’t expect your audience to tag along for an hour’s worth of fairly lengthly clip sequences for every major character.

The episode centres on the 100th episode of TGS, which would have made for an eventful enough episode, and would have provided more than enough “meta-nostalgia” without all the tiresome clips. An awkward plot involving a gas leak does reach a reasonable conclusion, but it just feels like too much work. It’s kind of like watching kids put on a play: I’m sure they had a lot of fun making it, but don’t they realize how tedious it is for the adults? (Ed. note: I am not an adult. Just to be clear.) Read more…

So Friday Night Lights may have been pulled from ABC Family’s lineup, but let’s not take this too personally. After all, ABC Family still airs the tragedy that is Greek. FNL is above that. In fact, it is above everything. It is, hands down, the best show that has ever existed. Ever. I really hope I’m not speaking too soon and that the fifth and final season doesn’t disappoint, but I don’t see how it could. Take a look at this smokin’ hot new promo to get yourself psyched. Also, check out these behind the scenes interviews with the cast!

After FNL has its final episode, this blog is sure to become a shrine to the show and its cast members. Here is the latest news about some of our favourites to keep you occupied until the premiere:

Check out the trailer for Simon Pegg’s new sci-fi comedy, Paul, which stars our very own Landry.

Even though Lyla was one of my least favourite FNL characters, I have to give our girl, Minka Kelly, props for being the Sexiest Woman Alive. The pictures from the spread are gorgeous. She’s such a babe. If only she could act… Watch her attempt to do just that in the trailer for her new film, The Roommate.

Unfortunately, Adrianne Palicki’s show, Lonestar was the first show to be cancelled in the 2010 season. Adrianne was apparently in talks to make a guest appearance on Gossip Girl. Thank your TV God that this deal didn’t pan out because she is way too good for that show.

And the last tidbit of the day is that my favourite big teddy bear with a heart of gold, Tinker, was spotted guest starring on Cougar Town as Courtney Cox’s son’s roommate. Love him. Love FNL. Eight days!